Hamas begins handing over Gaza administration to national committee, conditions “phase 2” on truce obligations

CAIRO, Jan. 17 (YPA) – Hamas Movement has officially moved to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a national committee headed by Ali Shaath.

The transition, involving the transfer of all administrative files and sites, is scheduled to be completed within the current week following recent agreements in Cairo.

In a message to mediators, the movement reaffirmed its stance on the necessity of fulfilling “Phase One” obligations of the ceasefire agreement before moving to “Phase Two”—which includes the issue of disarmament. Hamas emphasized that priorities must include reopening the Rafah crossing, allowing the entry of aid and rubble-removal equipment, and halting Israeli occupation violations.

In a related development, the movement denied obstructing the return of an Israeli soldier’s body, asserting that “Israel’s” refusal to allow heavy machinery into the Strip is preventing its recovery from beneath the rubble.

An expanded meeting is expected in Cairo this week, bringing together Hamas, the National Committee, and UN officials to finalize transitional arrangements.

YPA